Chapter 1 of 100
Chapter 1
7 min read1,766 words
Throughout human history, there has never been a lack of great scientists who have changed the world. Newton's law of universal gravitation, Einstein's theory of relativity, Mark Hughes' antimatter propulsion engine, Higgs' God particle, and when Lauren Li's warp theory emerged, humanity took a significant step toward its dreams, officially entering the era of interstellar exploration. Adventure and interstellar colonization became the primary desires of humanity.
Over three hundred years, wars and peace alternated, and ultimately the Galactic Union was established, ushering humanity into a new order.
The Galileo Space Science Research Station, an S-class research station of the Galactic Union, is the closest research station to the galactic core, dedicated to studying the connection with parallel space.
"Doctor, the council has rejected our funding request and wants to terminate the Cube research project," a scientist said to the white-bearded old man. Despite his advanced age, he was still vigorous, with silver hair that shone brightly. Upon hearing this, the old man immediately burst into a tirade, "These swine, all they care about is money, money, money! Science is God, it is great and omnipotent, how can it be measured by money!"
The youngest of the surrounding scientists were in their fifties or sixties, and they were both amused and helpless. They were also frustrated, as there had been no progress in over twenty years, and the closure was inevitable. Twenty years ago, an obscure spatial physicist, Alan Tuko, published a paper on the theory of parallel space equivalent docking. At the time, the paper did not attract much attention. Although human technology was already advanced, parallel space remained as mysterious to humans as the moon was to ancient people. However, a consortium supported Alan Tuko's research and organized an expedition team to capture a mysterious cube in the Galileo sector, the closest region to the galactic core that humans could reach.
This news instantly shook the entire Galactic Union, and Alan Tuko was hailed as the fifth person who would change the course of human history, earning him fame across the galaxy. However, after twenty years of research with no progress, the so-called cube, though incredibly sturdy, showed no special properties and provided no reverse-engineering technology. Rumors began to spread, with some saying it was a win-win publicity stunt by Alan Tuko and a well-known chamber of commerce. The research station was to be shut down, all data sealed, and the scientists disbanded, while Alan Tuko would be investigated by the Union.
Alan calmly watched the soldiers' brutal actions, a faint smile on his lips. Science, especially great science, was not something that could be measured by twenty years.
"Doctor, you can't wander around!" a soldier blocked Alan Tuko.
The old man raised his eyebrows, his presence intimidating, "I need to go to the bathroom. What, do you think I can grow wings and fly away?" The soldier was momentarily stunned and lowered his arm, after all, this old man was the most famous person in the Galactic Union twenty years ago.
A few minutes later, an alarm sounded throughout the space station. A spaceship flew out, and the soldiers immediately sprang into action but were blocked by a group of scientists. They were hesitant to harm these elite members of the Union, as injuring any of them would be a heavy responsibility. This delay allowed the small spaceship to enter subspace.
"A bunch of half-grown brats trying to catch me!" Alan Tuko pressed a button. Ten seconds later, it entered warp flight...
The entire space station was in chaos, with warships flying out like headless flies. They underestimated the madness of these scientists...
The Union spent ten years but still could not find Alan Tuko's whereabouts. Due to the magnetic storms in the Galileo sector, the possibility of a small ship escaping was extremely low, so the Union abandoned further efforts, as the matter itself was not glorious and gradually faded from memory.
In the distant solar system, Earth, the cradle of humanity, had benefited from interstellar migration, improving its environment. Although it was no longer the most developed region of the Galactic Union, it still maintained a high standard.
On the lawn by a beautiful artificial lake, two teenagers lay, each holding a can of beer, with a messy pile of empty beer bottles on the ground. One had a sturdy build, a square face, large ears, and a shiny Ross Limited Edition Galactic Chain around his neck, enough to feed an average family for half a year. The other had an ordinary appearance, but the faint smile on his lips was unforgettable, giving off an indescribable feeling.
"Boss, all roads lead to Rome, heroes rise from the grassroots. Military school is nothing. Just say the word, and we'll go out and conquer the galaxy!" The shorter, sturdier teenager leaped up, his beer can serving as a microphone, with a grand air. Wang Zheng, who was sitting nearby, raised his foot to kick him, "Conquer the galaxy? I can handle this little setback. No need to comfort me!"
The Asian War God Military Academy, one of the three major military academies on Earth, was also a cradle for top commanders and pilots. However, not long ago, the two received their genetic test results. Yan Xiaosu scored 68, and Wang Zheng scored 28.
Genetic scores were used to evaluate genetic potential, aiding in talent selection. Scores above 80 were considered "elite" humans, destined to become leaders in various fields. Sixty was the passing score, and to study core majors, one needed at least 70, while other majors required at least 60, efficiently using federal resources. In the first step of the War God Academy's admission process, which included genetic evaluation, theoretical evaluation, and interviews, Wang Zheng was eliminated.
Yan Xiaosu was speechless. Wang Zheng's score of 28 was unheard of, almost on par with animals.
"Boss, the machine must have malfunctioned. Why don't we test again?" Yan Xiaosu suggested.
"It's not a big deal. Military school isn't the only option!" Wang Zheng laughed self-deprecatingly. How could it be so coincidental that only he had an error? He remembered the first time he saw the federal mech recruitment ad as a child, being captivated by the majestic scene and setting it as his goal. However, reality never gave him a chance to try. Yan Xiaosu also found it hard to believe that a score of 28 meant not only failing military school but also failing to qualify as a conscript, effectively crushing Wang Zheng's dreams, a situation no one could help with.
"By the way, I have a favor to ask!" Yan Xiaosu sat up straight, looking serious.
"Go ahead, no need to be so serious."
Yan Xiaosu pulled out a fragrant, gilded letter, "Boss, I've admired Yue Jing for a long time. Graduation is approaching, and I've decided to confess my feelings!"
Wang Zheng sat up, "That's great, I support you. Go for it, be a man and conquer her!"
"Boss, you know I'm always timid. I need you to deliver this for me. We're brothers for life, and I'm entrusting my future to you!" Yan Xiaosu tightly held Wang Zheng's hands, his eyes wide and innocent, looking at Wang Zheng with the purest gaze. Wang Zheng quickly let go, "Stop it, don't be disgusting. You always use this trick!"
Just delivering a love letter, Wang Zheng didn't mind. He knew Yan Xiaosu was deliberately changing the subject.
"Come on, let's drink to my success!" Yan Xiaosu howled, and the two drank wildly, finishing the remaining beer.
Watching Wang Zheng's back, Yan Xiaos shook his head. He had actually rechecked Wang Zheng's test results and found no issues. What kind of world was this?
Back in the dorm, Wang Zheng sat cross-legged and began adjusting his breathing rhythm, a "family heirloom" technique, a treasure of human civilization for a thousand years. If he ever lost his job, he could still make a living with this skill. He had practiced the eight-breath technique since childhood, and it had become a habit, though it had no other practical use, it was effective in calming the mind.
On the wall was a giant poster of a shining mech, which Wang Zheng dreamed of piloting. Next to it was the genetic score notification, glaringly obvious.
Yan Xiaosu was out all night, clearly engrossed in "War God Covenant," a popular mech combat game. How popular it was, Wang Zheng didn't know and didn't care. He needed real tactile sensations, the roar of a mech's feet on the ground, making him feel like a god!
Now, he could only dream of it. Wang Zheng tore down the poster he had hung for four years, staring at the ceiling in a daze. Suddenly, he picked it up and carefully stuck it back, as it had been his only goal since childhood. Without it, what else could he do?
Dawn High School was also one of the key high schools in the Asian region. The campus in the early morning was very beautiful, full of vitality and youth. Wang Zheng still followed his routine morning training, believing that early to bed and early to rise could maximize his efficiency and gradually build confidence, even though it was now useless, but old habits die hard.
Of course, there was also an important matter today. After training, Wang Zheng headed straight for the teaching building.
Two girls walked over from a distance. One wore a light yellow strapless top, exquisite diamond earrings, and golden curls, looking like a princess. The other was also dressed in designer clothes, though Wang Zheng couldn't tell, but Yan Xiaosu, a fashion enthusiast, knew the logos were worth a fortune. Their heads were slightly raised, walking hand in hand down the center of the path, their long, straight legs moving with a light and elegant rhythm, radiating youthful energy, dazzling everyone.
Yue Jing and Ye Zisu, the twin beauties of Dawn High School, one whose father was an Asian region legislator, the other from a billionaire family. Though students, they often appeared in the news and were celebrities to ordinary students.
To be honest, they were beautiful and eye-catching, but for some reason, Wang Zheng never felt much for such girls. According to Yan Xiaosu, he was either sexually cold or underdeveloped. Yan Xiaosu had already done extensive theoretical research and was waiting for practical experience. These two were treating the school road like a runway, enjoying the envious gazes around them.
Wang Zheng walked straight toward the two girls, who seemed used to this and slowed their pace.